As you may have noticed from the sea of pink taking over cities everywhere, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is celebrated annually to increase awareness of this disease that touches so many of us. Today, 1 in 8 women (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime. Whether you’re a survivor yourself, or among the millions of friends and families that know someone who has won or lost their courageous battle, now is the time we all come together to raise our messages of strength, support, and hope for a cure.

Join In the FightIf you’re wondering what you can do to show your support or help out, we’ve compiled a list

of ideas that anyone can do to make an impact throughout the month.

Take the PLEDGE!
Despite the campaigns each year, many people still don’t know how to properly prevent and monitor their chances of getting the disease. The pledge consists of six steps that can help.

Make a donation. Every penny is a step closer to a cure, and no donation is too small. You can donate at events in your community or easily do so online as well.

Participate in an event in your community.In just about every city in America, you can join a walk, run, race, or special event to help support the cause. Take your mom, sister, grandma, or best friend by the hand and head out to make your mark.

Be a light for someone.
If you know someone in your neighborhood who is living with cancer, step in and offer kindness. Provide a meal, watch the kids, deliver some magazines, weed her garden, etc. If you don’t know anyone personally, volunteer at a local hospital.

Learn more.
Even something simple as learning a bit more about breast cancer makes a difference. It’s all about awareness. To start, we think you might find this list very interesting of 6 Things You Don’t Know About Breast Cancer.

Help spread awareness.
No one deserves to go down the road of breast cancer. At Bluemountain.com, we have cards and postcards you can send and share with everyone you know, to remind and encourage them to take steps toward prevention, as well as to raise awareness all month long.

At this time there are more than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and with your help, there will be millions more.

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“April showers bring May flowers…,” and oh, aren’t we all so glad that spring is finally here and the buds and blooms are finally waking up from their wintry naps! So, how appropriate that April is also National Garden Month, where communities and organizations nationwide celebrate the goodness of gardening and all the healthy benefits that nurturing plants gives us.

Though we don’t claim to be gardening experts with green thumbs, we do have quite a few eCards that are blooming with beautiful floral designs that you might like to send and share with a friend for National Garden Month, as a springtime hello, or to celebrate an April birthday. Our “Blooming Wishes Interactive” eCard (pictured above) makes for a lovely springtime birthday treat that you can personalize with someone’s name. Your friend or loved one will be amazed as they interact with the gorgeous scene that comes to life before their eyes. As the grey skies of a soft April rain waft away, the birds begin singing, and nature’s palette of floral hues open up in all their glory to reveal a beautiful garden. But that’s not all–the garden magically reveals the meanings of the different flowers shown when the receiver hovers over each one. Delight someone with it during this glorious month!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and BlueMountain.com currently has a partnership with six non-profit organizations to offer free digital postcards throughout the month.

We hope that you will share the postcards, which were designed to raise awareness for organizations that provide resources for those affected by breast cancer and their families. Each postcard contains illustrations and branding specific to the participating organizations. All of the postcards can be found on a special page dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month eCards on the Blue Mountain site.

In addition to sending the postcards via email and Facebook, Blue Mountain users can visit the partner sites to donate or learn more about how to support the participating organizations this month and beyond.

This day is for the dogs! August 26th marks National Dog Day - a day to celebrate the furry, kind-hearted creatures we love and adore so much. We thought we would celebrate by featuring everything we love sharing, like quotes, poems, songs, but with a dog twist. And don’t forget; BlueMountain.com offers a Pet ecard collection! So don’t forget to give an extra treat of belly rub today…Enjoy!

Dog Quotes:

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
― Josh Billings

Dogs never bite me. Just humans.
― Marilyn Monroe

If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience.
― Woodrow Wilson

Everything I know, I learned from dogs.
― Nora Roberts

I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”
― Doris Day

Dog Poems:

The wiggle of an ear
just as you near.
A tilt of the head
from something you said.
Tail wagging, making a breeze
a sure sign you really please.
Jump up – turn around,
happy signs without a sound.
_ Patricia Waltert

—–

I like dogs.
Big dogs.
Little dogs.
Fat dogs.
Doggy dogs.
Old dogs.
Puppy dogs.
I like dogs.
A dog that is barking over the hill.
A dog that is dreaming very still.
A dog that is running wherever he will.
I like dogs.
_ Margaret Wise Brown

Dog Day Playlist:

Enjoy this fun little playlist we put together with some of our favorite doggone songs!

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“Thank heaven for angels who help us fly when our wings are too tired.”

Today marks “Be an Angel Day,” which celebrates making the world a better place through acts of kindness, care and support. It’s pretty fitting that this day falls within national friendship week because we all know that friends are angels in disguise.

Anyone can be an Angel, and sometimes just a smile can lighten the heaviest heart. Here are some simple things that anyone can do to brighten someone’s day.

Call someone you have not talked to in a long time, and spend some time catching up.

Let go of old hurts and practice forgiveness in all your relationships.

Bake some cookies, or make a meal and invite your neighbors over.

Help out your older neighbors by grocery shopping, or taking out their trash.

Invite an unemployed friend to share in a special dinner or function and take care of the cost.

Send a card just because. It’s sure to brighten someone’s day to know they are being though about.

Whet Your Wienie Appetite and Celebrate Hot Dog Day!

Now that you’ve gotten some nice naptime in from yesterday’s National Hammock Day, you’re probably famished. So, satisfy your appetite and start celebrating all over again, for July 23 is National Hot Dog Day! It’s estimated that Americans eat roughly 20 billion hot dogs a year. That’s a lot of wienies!

Beef up your hot dog history and tantalize your taste buds with these mouth-watering recipes and suggestions for some hot dog dining!

A Little Hot Dog History

Although the origin of the hot dog is as widespread as there are toppings to put on it, some believe the frankfurter got its start from some enterprising butchers in Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany and Vienna, Austria. Many migrated to America, bringing their delicacies with them.

In 1904, Bavarian proprietor Anton Feuchtwanger started running out of the gloves he gave customers to handle the hot sausage he sold. He reportedly procured the services of his brother-in-law baker who concocted soft rolls long enough to fit the meat, and the hot dog bun was born.

As for how “hot dog” got its name, it’s believed that New York cartoonist Tad Dorgan coined the term after watching vendors advertise their “dachshund sausages” by hollering to bystanders nearby. Uncertain of how to spell “dachshund” while sketching the scene, Dorgan substituted the words “hot dog” and the phrase stuck.

To Grill, or Not to Grill

Whether you’re tying on your grilling apron to cook up some hot dogs or heading to the ballpark to catch a game—and that stadium mustard!—there’s nothing like sinking your teeth into one of America’s favorite foods! If you do plan on firing up the grill to cook your own, or roasting it on a stick over an open flame, here are some finger-licking recipes to liven up any frankfurter:

In 1984, President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month! He recognized ice cream as a fun and nutritious food and called for citizens to observe the day with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.” It is said that ice cream is enjoyed by a full 90 percent of the American population…no wonder there’s always a long line at the local Dairy Delite!

We’ve narrowed down the five most popular flavors for you to rank in your own order of preference—from (1) “Triple scoop, please!” to (5) “I’d rather eat a salad.”

Most Popular Flavors

VanillaChocolateStrawberryButter PecanChocolate Chip

Now, see what your #1 favorite says about the kind of person you are…

Vanilla

With your classic style, open-minded attitude and easy-going personality, you are just plain cool! It’s important for you to be liked by everyone—and you are—which helps you fit into any social situation. People feel as comfortable around you as swinging hammock on a hot summer day…which is where you’d like to be.

Chocolate

You have a passion and enthusiasm for life and like being the center of attention! While you’re usually outgoing, optimistic and friendly, you can also be deeply introspective with
a dark, hilarious sense of humor. You also have a competitive side that drives you to get what you want…so, when faced by a challenge, you won’t stop until you lick it!

Strawberry

You’re sweet, loveable and eternally adorable! Sure there are times you might come off
a little shy, but that’s only because you’re generous enough to let others shine before you steal people’s hearts with your natural charm. And your “irresistibleness” is the cherry
on top!

Butter Pecan

You are stable, down-to-earth and well-balanced with a deep sense of loyalty and commitment. You’re a traditionalist who likes the finer things in life and works hard to get them. With your calm demeanor and solid confidence, others tend to rely on you to keep things running smoothly…which is why they’re surprised when you sometimes show your nutty side!

Chocolate Chip

You have a happy, cheerful, youthful disposition that makes you fun to be with! Being a creative type, you keep coming up with new ideas and you aren’t afraid to try new things. In fact, sometimes you’re pulled in so many different directions, you spread yourself too thin and just have let the chips fall where they may. Yet somehow that always works out for you and you come out smelling like a fresh-baked cookie!

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Canada Day, once called Dominion Day, is celebrated with the same intent and fervor as Independence Day in the USA. Canada Day marks the event in 1867 when Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada began the process of becoming an independent and united nation. It wasn’t until 1982, however, that it became fully independent from the United Kingdom. Though Canada Day has only been celebrated since the ’50s with fireworks and barbeques, it’s now a notable day for relaxing and appreciating family and freedom.

Canada’s capital, Ottawa, Ontario, and many other cities and provinces host holiday activities with games, cookouts, parades, carnivals, concerts, and air and maritime shows. There are countless events and festivals to be found throughout each city’s streets, parks, and museums. Fireworks are launched everywhere from Nova Scotia to Vancouver to conclude a day of patriotic festivities.

So how can you celebrate your neighbors to the North or honor Canada Day at home? Try decorating with some maple leaves and add splashes of red and white everywhere.

Make a Strawberry Maple-leaf Flag Cake, or try Eggs in Maple-Ham Cups, Canada Day Picnic Sandwiches or fun Beaver Cupcakes to savor the day Canadian-style.

Another way to have fun is to create some crafts. You can make delightful Canada Day Birds of red and white paper or a simple red and white pinwheel to play in the breeze at the local parade. Today, craftsmen and hobbyists find lots of ways to celebrate the rich heritage of beautiful Canada.

You can find links for some great recipes and craft ideas for Canada Day below.

It’s always fun to join in a celebration, so come on and honor your Canadian friends and neighbors by recognizing one of their greatest days in history. It all happens on July 1!

It’s The First Day of Summer!

Longest Day of the Year

Break out the lemonade because summer is here! The summer solstice marks the moment when the sun is directly overhead at its most northern point. When it reaches “high-noon,” it creates more sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere than at any other time of the year. The summer solstice is the longest day of the year and just a few days shy of the year’s half-way point on July 1.

Summer Memories

As you breathe in the fragrant summer air and lavish the sunshine, it may be a good time to think back on what summer meant to you as a kid. A walk down memory lane may just spark some moments you can create again. Did you love going on picnics in the park or canoeing down a river and enjoying the beautiful landscape? Did you love hiking wooded trails and camping? Maybe you simply loved your mom’s potato salad and music from bands like The Beach Boys. Think back and drink it all in.

Escape Your To-Do List

Then look at today and think of ways to start enjoying this summer. Set aside some time just for you to escape your to-do list and create some summer fun. Now is the time to catch some fireflies, grill some burgers or head out on your bike. Go to an amusement park and ride the roller coaster, or take your sweetheart to the drive-in. Summertime is playtime and you have every right to play. Think sandcastles, hammocks gently swaying in the breeze, and starry, starry nights. You might even want to wish on a star or two.

Plan a One-Tank-Trip

Give yourself a mini-vacation, even if it’s just a day trip. Catch the farmer’s markets that contain an array of colorful fruits and vegetables. Visit the local arboretum or the butterfly farm. Use your imagination and dream a little dream because the best parts of life are filled with summer dreams.

Celebrate the solstice, catch a few sunbeams, and give yourself permission to slip away and enjoy it all. Swap barbecue recipes with your neighbor and carve a smile in the watermelon. It’s time for you to simply relax and enjoy yourself! Don’t forget to send some cheerful “thinking of you” notes to your friends as well. Maybe you can get them to go along for the ride when you go out to play!

For more information on the summer solstice, please click on the following links:

A Little History…

Although President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed many African Americans, slavery itself wasn’t abolished altogether. It wasn’t until June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas, declared the end of the Civil War, and read aloud General Orders, No. 3, that all slaves were freed, creating a ripple effect across the country in what has become known as Juneteenth.

Celebrated the following year, in 1866, Juneteenth became a day similar in festivities
to the Fourth of July, with prayer services, inspirational speakers, a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, and merrymaking which included food and drink, dancing, storytelling, and other exciting events.

Celebration Ideas:

Here are a few ideas to jump start your Juneteenth celebration, both in educational and entertaining ways:

Host a day-at-work seminar: Invite guest speakers knowledgeable of Juneteenth
and its timeline to talk to your company’s employees in order to familiarize them with
the observance and its meaning. Create a theme and post your company’s involvement
on its web site.

Community involvement: Organize events at your local schools and libraries. Create interactive displays that can educate participants on the origin of Juneteenth and its evolution, and ask local businesses to sponsor these events.

Plan a picnic: Land in parts of Texas purchased by ex-slaves, known as “emancipation grounds,” was later turned into Emancipation Parks in such areas as Houston, East Austin, and now Booker T. Washington Park in Mexia, Texas. Host your own outdoor gathering with food and festivities to celebrate the day.

Contact Congress: Although it was made an official holiday in the state of Texas on January 1, 1980, Juneteenth has yet to receive national recognition. Several U.S. Senators, public officials, and other outspoken individuals have been working to ensure that Juneteenth becomes an officially recognized national holiday, similar to Patriot Day or Flag Day. Show your appreciation for these men and women by contacting them and supporting their efforts.